Earth is called a green planet due to the presence of plants on it.
Plants are considered to be the first living organisms born on the earth.
Without plants, the environment and human life on this earth cannot exist.
We grow plants in our homes, gardens, farms, roadsides etc.
Their presence is inevitable for clean air, food and water in this world.
Even these plants contribute to our economy. People of many countries rely on plant products for their livelihood and income.
Plants people relationships is so much interlinked that we need them to survive.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANTS TO HUMANS
Benefits of plants to humans Plants are in following ways as
1. Food: Plants are the main source of food for humans. Plants, unlike humans and animals, manufacture their own food. They do so by the process known as photosynthesis in their green leaves by use of sunlight.
They can convert and store the light energy in the form of carbohydrates. This process takes place in the leaves (chlorophyll) by use of carbon-dioxide and water.
From this manufactured food, they consume some of it and store the remaining. This is stored in the form of fruits, seeds, tuberous roots etc. This fruits and other parts of plants are consumed by humans. The food is in the form of vegetables, fruits, grains, cereals, leaves, seeds, mushrooms etc.
They provide the complete food comprising of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. But still, for few vitamins we may need to rely on animal foods.
This is the prime importance of plants to humans.
2.Clothing: Plants are the largest providers of textile and fabric material.
These materials are eco-friendly, compatible and less expensive.
So they are used for making cloth and bedding material which is required by humans.
The plant materials like cotton, jute etc contribute for manufacturing of yarn and other clothing.
3. Furniture & Shelter: Plants are the important source of furniture. The plant wood is used to build houses and also to make other furniture items. We use wood for the purpose due to its features like durability, stylish finishing, resistance to temperature changes etc. The trees like teak, neem, red sandal etc. are good sources of wood for making doors, chairs, shelves, tables etc.
Even the presence of plants around the area of human life relieves stress. Hence we see many people growing small plants in their household to get fresh air and also give naturalness.
4.Flowers: Flowers are used widely by humans. They are used for beauty, to convey feelings and also for their fragrance. In some countries, they worn as garlands and even in the hair on the head for beauty. While some use them to convey their love to their beloved ones. They are also used to produce fragrance and even their scent is extracted for daily use.
5.Medicines: Plants are a great source of medicine even for life-threatening diseases.
For example drugs like
♦ Ginseng for vitality and immunity enhancement.
♦ Digoxin for congestive heart failure (from digitalis plant)
♦ Vincristine for cancer treatment (from vinca rosea)
♦ Theophylline for asthma (from coffee & Tea)
♦ Ergot for a migraine headache. (from Rye plant due to fungus ergot)
♦ Reserpine for blood pressure are obtained from them.
So we can even notice that plants are the sole sources of medicines for few life-threatening disorders too.
Also, plant medicine is safer due to their lower chances of side effects and also better compatibility to humans.
Besides, Bacteria, like microbes are which are classified as plants in taxonomy also support humans. For instance, they produce antibiotics, insulin, hormones, enzymes by recombinant DNA technology.
6. A source of vitamins: Plants are the largest source of essential vitamins to the body. The body cannot manufacture vitamins on its own for metabolism.
7. Rubber & Plastic: We obtain rubber required for tire, wiring, seats etc from plants.
8.Natural pesticides: Plants are also the source of insecticides and pesticides. Using artificial pesticides are harmful to the environment. They may even enter food causing health issue to human and animals. Using these naturally derived pesticides are safe. They degrade with time and even do not harm the soil. Ex: Pyrethrin (as Mosquito repellant), Neem, bacteria etc.
9. Bio fuels: Some plants are also grown for the sake of bio-fuels. The plants fuel is less toxic as it does not emit harmful gasses and also less expensive. Even the plant waste is used to generate electricity.
10. Economic contribution: Plants are great contributors to an economy. Many countries rely on agriculture as one of the main sources of revenue.
Plants are responsible for the production of food, cosmetics, drugs, cloth, honey, gum, tannins, essential oils (perfumes), alkaloids, resins etc. which are all money yielding. So plants provide a great contribution to economic growth. Even now many countries economy largely depends on plant products.
IMPORTANCE OF PLANTS IN NATURE.
Environment and the climate are largely interlinked with plants. Rainfall, humidity, and temperature are influenced by the presence of plants. Cutting down plants also imbalance the environment which will indirectly affect human life.
1. They form the starting point of food chains:
In every food chain, the plants occupy the first position and lead the chain as a source of food. For example
Grass→ Cow→ Lion.
Grass → Insect → Frog→ Snake→ Eagle.
Here the plant starts the chain and other animals live on it directly or indirectly. Without plants, there can be no life on earth.
2.Gaseous balance: Plants help maintain gaseous balance in the air. Animals emit carbon dioxide by taking in oxygen. This rise in carbon dioxide levels in air is reduced by plants. They consume carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis. Thus oxygen the essential life force is kept intact on the earth due to plants alone.
3.Prevent soil erosion: Plants, when grown in dense, prevent soil erosion, i.e. in times of winds, the fertile top layer of soil is carried away by air. This is prevented by plants if grown around.
4.Ecological balance: Plants impart greenery to the atmosphere, they help reduce heat and prevent drying up of moisture. Thus they are environmental savvy.
5. Support rainfall: Plants and trees have a cooling effect on the atmosphere leading to rainfall. Hence we see no rains in deserts.
Rainfall is very important to provide water for drinking, cleaning, irrigation etc. Hence the role of forest in the cause of rainfall is indispensable.
6.Maintain soil fertility: Plants maintain soil fertility. Their droppings and shedding of leaves, fruits, and other parts degrade in the soil to form humus. This humus increases soil fertility as it is microbial friendly. Plants like blue-green algae and bacteria are also extensively used to fix nitrogen in the soil for agriculture.
7. Support for birds and animals: